U.S. patent application number 13/010664 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-28 for apparatus, system, and method for a convertible blanket, pad and pillow.
Invention is credited to Jacob C. Smoot, Reid S. Smoot.
Application Number | 20110179559 13/010664 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44307796 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110179559 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smoot; Jacob C. ; et
al. |
July 28, 2011 |
APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR A CONVERTIBLE BLANKET, PAD AND
PILLOW
Abstract
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a convertible
blanket, pad, and pillow. The apparatus includes a blanket having
arm apertures, and a sleeve coupled to each of the apertures. The
apparatus also includes a pad having a durable surface, a plush
surface, and a fastener disposed on a perimeter of the pad to form
the pad into a container to hold the blanket. The apparatus may
also include a fastener disposed on the blanket to removably
connect the blanket to the pad. The system includes the apparatus,
cushioning disposed between the durable surface and the plush
surface, and carrying straps extending from the perimeter of the
pad. The method includes providing the apparatus, forming either a
plush or a durable container by selecting the durable or plush
surface to form the outside of the container, fastening the
fastener, and placing the blanket inside the container.
Inventors: |
Smoot; Jacob C.; (Kaysville,
UT) ; Smoot; Reid S.; (Kaysville, UT) |
Family ID: |
44307796 |
Appl. No.: |
13/010664 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61296864 |
Jan 20, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/458 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/066 20130101;
A41D 15/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/458 |
International
Class: |
A41D 3/00 20060101
A41D003/00; A41D 27/10 20060101 A41D027/10 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a blanket having arm apertures; a
sleeve coupled to each of the apertures and extending outward from
the blanket; a pad comprising: a durable surface; a plush surface;
and a fastener disposed on a perimeter of the pad, the fastener
configured to form the pad into a container to hold the blanket;
and a fastener disposed on the blanket configured to removably
connect the blanket to the pad.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeves are removably
coupled with the blanket.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeves are integrally
formed with the blanket.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising cushioning disposed
between the durable surface and the plush surface.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pad forms a plush
container having the plush surface facing outward.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pad forms a durable
container having the durable surface facing outward.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of the pad is
selected to accommodate at least two people.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the width of the pad is
substantially equivalent to the width of a bleacher seat.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the length of the pad is in
the range of between about two and five times the width of the
pad.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blanket further comprises
an adjustable neck fastener to fasten the blanket around a person's
neck.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pad further comprises
carrying straps coupled to the pad.
12. A system comprising: a blanket having arm apertures; a sleeve
integrally coupled to each of the apertures and extending outward
from the blanket; a pad comprising: a durable surface; a plush
surface; cushioning disposed between the durable surface and the
plush surface; and a fastener disposed on a perimeter of the pad,
the fastener configured to form the pad into a container to hold
the blanket; a length in the range of between about 2 and 5 times a
width of the pad; carrying straps extending from the perimeter of
the pad; and a fastener disposed on the blanket configured to
removably connect the blanket to the pad.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the pad forms a plush container
having the plush surface facing outward.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the pad forms a durable
container having the durable surface facing outward.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the blanket further comprises
an adjustable neck fastener to fasten the blanket around a person's
neck.
16. A method comprising: providing a blanket having arm apertures;
providing a sleeve coupled to each of the apertures and extending
outward from the blanket; providing a pad comprising: a durable
surface; a plush surface; and a fastener disposed on a perimeter of
the pad, the fastener configured to form the pad into a container
to hold the blanket; forming one of a plush container or a durable
container by selecting the durable surface to form the outside of
the container or selecting the plush surface to form the outside of
the container; fastening the fastener; and placing the blanket
inside the container.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising fastening the
blanket to the pad when the pad is in a seating configuration.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising removably coupling
each sleeve to each of the apertures.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising integrally forming
each sleeve to the blanket.
20. The method of claim 20, further comprising fastening the
blanket around a person's neck.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/296,864 entitled "APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD
FOR A CONVERTIBLE BLANKET, PAD, AND PILLOW" and filed on Jan. 20,
2010 for Jacob C. Smoot and Reid S. Smoot, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to wearable blankets and more
particularly relates to a container for wearable blankets that
converts from a pillow into a seating pad.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Many people enjoy being wrapped in a blanket while lounging
around the house. However, blankets do not allow for the free
motion of a person's arms. To overcome this, the sleeved blanket
was developed. Sleeved blankets allow a person to, for example,
read a book while enveloped in a blanket. Typically, sleeved
blankets are made of a fleece or other plush, comfortable material.
The sleeved blanket is ideal for keeping its wearer warm while the
wearer watches TV, reads a book, or otherwise goes about his or her
daily duties inside the house.
[0006] However, as the use of sleeved blankets increases, people
have begun to take sleeved blankets to outdoor activities such as
sporting events, concerts, etc. The sleeved blanket is an ideal
device for keeping a person warm at an outdoor spectator event.
Unfortunately, the plush and comfortable nature of the sleeved
blanket does little to protect the wearer from a wet, cold, or
rigid seating surface.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention has been developed in response to the
present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the
problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved
by currently available convertible pillows. Accordingly, the
present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus,
system, and method for a convertible, blanket, pad, and pillow that
overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the
art.
[0008] The apparatus includes a blanket having arm apertures, and a
sleeve coupled to each of the apertures and extending outward from
the blanket. The apparatus also includes a pad having a durable
surface, a plush surface, and a fastener disposed on a perimeter of
the pad. The fastener is configured to form the pad into a
container to hold the blanket. The apparatus also includes a
fastener disposed on the blanket configured to removably connect
the blanket to the pad.
[0009] In one example, the sleeves are removably coupled with the
blanket; alternatively, the sleeves are integrally formed with the
blanket. In another example, the apparatus includes cushioning
disposed between the durable surface and the plush surface. The pad
may form a plush container having the plush surface facing outward,
or a durable container having the durable surface facing outward.
The length of the pad, in one embodiment, is selected to
accommodate at least two people. Additionally, the width of the pad
is substantially equivalent to the width of a bleacher seat. The
length of the pad may be in the range of between about two and five
times the width of the pad.
[0010] In a further embodiment, the blanket further comprises an
adjustable neck fastener to fasten the blanket around a person's
neck. The apparatus also may include carrying straps coupled to the
pad.
[0011] The system includes a blanket having arm apertures, a sleeve
integrally coupled to each of the apertures and extending outward
from the blanket, and a pad. The pad, in one example includes a
durable surface, a plush surface, cushioning disposed between the
durable surface and the plush surface, and a fastener disposed on a
perimeter of the pad, the fastener configured to form the pad into
a container to hold the blanket. The length of the pad is in the
range of between about 2 and 5 times a width of the pad. The system
also includes carrying straps extending from the perimeter of the
pad, and a fastener disposed on the blanket configured to removably
connect the blanket to the pad.
[0012] A method of the present invention is also presented. The
method in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the
steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with
respect to the operation of the described apparatus and system. In
one embodiment, the method includes providing the apparatus,
forming one of a plush container or a durable container by
selecting the durable surface to form the outside of the container
or selecting the plush surface to form the outside of the
container, fastening the fastener, and placing the blanket inside
the container.
[0013] The method may also include fastening the blanket to the pad
when the pad is in a seating configuration, and removably coupling
each sleeve to each of the apertures. In another embodiment, the
method includes integrally forming each sleeve to the blanket, and
fastening the blanket around a person's neck.
[0014] Reference throughout this specification to features,
advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the
features and advantages that may be realized with the present
invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the
invention. Rather, language referring to the features and
advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,
advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and
similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not
necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
[0015] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and
characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art
will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or
more of the specific features or advantages of a particular
embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages
may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in
all embodiments of the invention.
[0016] These features and advantages of the present invention will
become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention
as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In order that the advantages of the invention will be
readily understood, a more particular description of the invention
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 depicts view of an embodiment of an apparatus for a
convertible blanket, pad, and pillow configured as a blanket and
pad;
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a view of an embodiment of an apparatus for a
convertible blanket, pad, and pillow configured as a pillow;
[0020] FIG. 3 depicts a view of one embodiment of a pad for a
convertible blanket, pad, and pillow;
[0021] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
pad for a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow;
[0022] FIG. 5 depicts a view of one embodiment of a blanket for a
convertible blanket, pad, and pillow;
[0023] FIG. 6 depicts a view of one embodiment of a pad with a
carrying strap;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a method for wearing the device;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one
method of forming a pillow;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a convertible pillow and container; and
[0027] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a single person pillow/pad/container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one
embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language throughout
this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the
same embodiment.
[0029] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or
characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description,
numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough
understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the
relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be
practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with
other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other
instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not
shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the
invention.
[0030] The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are
generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the
depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment
of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived
that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more
steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method.
Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to
explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to
limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and
line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are
understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method.
Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate
only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may
indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration
between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the
order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly
adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.
[0031] Embodiments of a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow are
described. The convertible blanket, pad, and pillow provide an easy
to carry seating pad and an attachable, wearable blanket. In the
pad and blanket configuration, the convertible blanket, pad, and
pillow are useful for activities such as attending a sporting event
in cold weather. The pad provides a comfortable, insulated seating
surface on what could otherwise be a hard, cold bleacher. The
wearable blanket provides comfortable, convenient insulation. In
addition, the convertible blanket, pad, and pillow may be placed in
a pillow configuration by forming the pad into a container and
placing the blanket inside the formed container.
[0032] FIG. 1 depicts a view of an embodiment of an apparatus for a
convertible blanket, pad, and pillow (hereinafter "device") 100
configured as a blanket 102 and pad 106. The device 100 includes a
blanket 102, sleeves 104, and a pad 106. The device 100 provides an
insulated cover and seat pad.
[0033] The blanket 102, in some embodiments, is an insulating cover
that can be placed over a user. The blanket 102 may be formed of
any insulating material. For example, the blanket 102 may be a
fleece made from a synthetic material, such as polyethylene
terephthalate (PET). In another example, the blanket 102 may be
made from a wind resistant material.
[0034] The blanket 102, in some embodiments is wearable. For
example, in one embodiment, the blanket 102 includes one or more
sleeves 104. The sleeves 104 are configured to receive the arms of
a wearer. The sleeves 104 help to position and hold the blanket 104
on the wearer, and allow the wearer free use of his or her hands
while providing insulation. Alternatively, the blanket 102 may
include openings without sleeves that allow a wearer to pass his or
her arms through the openings. In another embodiment, the sleeves
may be detachable so that the wearer may better regulate his or her
temperature. In other words, the detachable sleeves provide the
benefit of protecting the arms of the wearer in colder weather, or,
enabling the wearer to remove the sleeves if the wearer is getting
too warm under the blanket 102. The detachable sleeves may be
attached to the blanked by way of a fastener such as a snap,
zipper, or a hook and loop mechanism.
[0035] In certain embodiments, the blanket 102 is printed with a
design. For example, the blanket 102 may be printed with a logo,
such as a logo for a professional or collegiate sports team.
[0036] The pad 106, in one embodiment, is an insulating and/or
cushioning pad upon which a user may sit. The pad 106 may include
any insulating and/or cushioning material. For example, the pad 106
may include polyethylene closed cell foam.
[0037] In certain embodiments, the pad 106 is printed with a
design. For example, the pad 106 may be printed with a logo, such
as a logo for a professional or collegiate sports team. The pad 106
may be printed with the same logo or a different logo from that
printed on the blanket 102.
[0038] In some embodiments, the device 100 is sized to accommodate
one user. In another embodiment, the convertible blanket, pad, and
pillow 100 is sized to accommodate two or more users. In a two user
device 100, the blanket 102 may include four sleeves 104 and the
pad 106 may be wide enough for two users to sit on the pad 106.
[0039] FIG. 2 depicts a view of an embodiment of an apparatus for a
convertible blanket, pad, and pillow configured as a pillow 200.
The pillow 200 includes the blanket 102, the pad 106, and a
fastener 202. The blanket 102 and pad 106 are similar to same
numbered components described in relation to FIG. 1. The pad 106
allows for use of the device 100 as a container for holding the
blanket, thereby forming a pillow 200.
[0040] The fastener 202, in one embodiment, forms the pad 106 into
a container to hold the blanket 102. In some embodiments, the
fastener 202 is disposed on a perimeter of the pad 106. The
fastener 202 may be any type of fastener capable of holding the pad
106 in position to form a container. For example, the fastener 202
may be a zipper located on the perimeter of the pad 106 that zips
the pad 106 into a container when the pad 106 is folded in
half.
[0041] In some embodiments, the pad 106 has a plush surface. The
plush surface may face outward when the pad 106 is formed into a
container. For example, a surface of the pad 106 may include a PET
fleece and the PET fleece may face outward when the pad 106 is
formed into a container. In an alternative embodiment, the pad 106
also includes an abrasion resistant surface or a water-resistant
surface. In one example, the container may be formed with the
abrasion resistant or durable surface, facing outward. As such, a
durable container is formed that protects the blanket.
[0042] FIG. 3 depicts a view of one embodiment of a pad 106 for the
device 100. The pad 106 includes a seam 302 and a blanket fastener
304. The pad is similar to the same numbered component described in
relation to FIG. 1. The pad 106 provides a plush seating surface, a
durable ground-engaging surface, and forms a container for the
blanket 102.
[0043] In one embodiment, the seam 302 joins two segments of the
pad 106. The seam 302 may provide a fold line for the pad 106 on
which the pad 106 folds to be formed into a container. The seam 302
may be any type of connection between segments of the pad 106. For
example, the seam 302 may be stitching between segments of the pad
106. In an alternative embodiment, the seam 302 is located between
two portions of a single unit that makes up the pad 106.
[0044] In one embodiment, the pad 106 has a length and a width, and
the length is much greater than the width such that the pad 106
unfolds length-wise to form an elongated pad. In this embodiment,
the seam runs across the width of the pad, and bisects the pad into
a top section and a bottom section. The length of the pad is in
this embodiment at least twice as great as the width of the pad
106. The length may be at least three times as great, and in
further embodiments, at least four times as great as the width. The
fastener in this embodiment runs along the top 306 and bottom 308
of a first length, along top 310 and bottom 312 of a width and
along a top 314 and bottom 316 of a second length.
[0045] The blanket fastener 304, in some embodiments, removably
fastens the blanket 102 of FIG. 1 to the pad 106. The blanket
fastener 304 may be any type of removable fastener. For example,
the blanket fastener 304 may be a snap, a hook, or a hook and loop
fastener. By fastening the blanket 102 to the pad 106 using the
blanket fastener 304, the pad 106 may be maintained in a usable
location while the user alternates between a sitting and a standing
position.
[0046] In some embodiments, the pad 106 includes a single blanket
fastener 304. In an alternative embodiment, the pad 106 includes a
plurality of blanket fasteners 304. In one embodiment, the
convertible blanket, pad, and pillow 100 accommodates a plurality
of users, and the pad 106 includes at least one blanket fastener
304 for each accommodated user. The blanket fastener 304 secures
the blanket to the pad behind the user so that the blanket wraps
around the user. Otherwise, the blanket may open in the back and
expose the person to adverse weather conditions. In one further
embodiment, the blanket may be integrally formed to the pad along
the top 314 and bottom 316 edges of the pad 106. In this
arrangement, the blanket is worn in a more traditional manner like
a jacket with the opening in the front of a person.
[0047] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
pad 106 for a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow 100. The pad 106
includes a plush surface (top cover) 402, a cushion 404, a durable
surface (bottom cover) 406 and a fastener 202. The fastener 202 is
similar to the same numbered component described to FIG. 2. The pad
106 provides a comfortable seating surface and forms a container
for holding the blanket 102.
[0048] The top cover 402, in one embodiment, covers a top surface
of the cushion 404. The top cover 402 may include a material upon
which it is comfortable to sit. For example, the top cover 402 may
be a PET fleece.
[0049] The cushion 404, in some embodiments, is a compliant
material that distributes stresses and strains when compressed. In
one embodiment, the cushion 404 restricts the passage of heat, thus
providing insulation. For example, the cushion 402 may include
polyethylene closed-cell foam.
[0050] In one embodiment, the bottom cover 406 covers a bottom
surface of the cushion 404. The bottom cover 406 may include an
abrasion-resistant material that protects the pad 106 from wear. In
some embodiments, the bottom cover 406 includes a water-resistant
material that protects the pad 106 from spilled liquids or other
moisture on a bleacher. For example, the bottom cover 404 may
include treated, water-resistant nylon, or other rubberized
water-resistant surfaces.
[0051] In some embodiments, the top cover 402 faces outward when
the pad 106 is formed into a container for holding the blanket 102.
The top cover 402 forms a comfortable outer surface for the device
100 in a pillow configuration. In some embodiments, the device 100
may be placed in a pillow configuration with the bottom cover 406
facing outward. As such, the bottom cover 406 forms a durable,
water-resistant container.
[0052] FIG. 5 depicts a view of one embodiment of a blanket 102 for
a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow 100. The blanket 102
includes a neck fastener 502, two or more arm apertures 504, and a
pad fastener 506. The blanket 102 provides insulation to a
user.
[0053] The neck fastener 502, in some embodiments, removably
fastens the blanket 102 around a user's neck. Fastened around the
user's neck, the blanket 102 is securely worn by the user while
providing freedom of movement. The neck fastener 502 may be any
type of releasable fastener. For example, the neck fastener 502 may
include snaps mounted near opposing edges of the blanket 102.
[0054] In one embodiment, the neck fastener 502 is adjustable. An
adjustable neck fastener 502 may fasten around a user's neck at an
adjustable diameter. For example, the neck fastener 502 may be a
hook and loop fastener with the hooked portion of the hook and loop
fastener attached near an edge of the blanket 102 and the blanket
102 itself acting as the loop portion of the hook and loop
fastener. In this example, the hooked portion of the hook and loop
fastener may engage the blanket 102 at any point, thus providing
adjustability.
[0055] The two or more arm apertures 502, in one embodiment,
provide openings in the blanket 102 through which a user may place
his or her arms. In some embodiments, a sleeve 104 is connected to
the blanket 102 around an aperture 504.
[0056] In one embodiment, the pad fastener 506 is removably
fastenable to the blanket fastener 304 on the pad 106. For example,
the pad fastener 506 may include a snap that engages the blanket
fastener 304. In an alternative embodiment, the pad fastener 506
attaches directly to the pad 102. For example, the pad fastener 506
may include a hook and loop fastener that engages the top cover 402
of the pad 106. The pad fastener 506 removably attaches the blanket
102 to the pad 106 and maintains the pad 106 in a usable
position.
[0057] FIG. 6 depicts a view of one embodiment of a pad 106 with a
carrying strap 602. The carrying strap 602 is connected to the pad
106 and provides a convenient mechanism for carrying the apparatus
for convertible blanket, pad, and pillow 100. The carrying strap
602 may include any type of material suitable for forming a
carrying strap 602. For example, the carrying strap 602 may include
nylon webbing.
[0058] The carrying strap 602, in one embodiment, includes one or
more small loops sized to allow a user to place his or her hand
within the loop to carry the apparatus for convertible blanket,
pad, and pillow 100 by hand. In an alternative embodiment, the
carrying strap 602 is a long loop suitable for use in carrying the
apparatus for convertible blanket, pad, and pillow 100 over a
user's shoulder. In some embodiments, the length of the carrying
strap 602 is adjustable. In certain embodiments, the carrying strap
602 is partially or completely removable.
[0059] The schematic flow chart diagrams that follow herein are
generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the
depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment
of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived
that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more
steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method.
Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to
explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to
limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and
line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are
understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method.
Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate
only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may
indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration
between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the
order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly
adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.
[0060] FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a method 700 for wearing the device 100. In one
embodiment, the method 700 starts 702 and a convertible blanket,
pad, and pillow device 100 are provided. The device 100 is provided
as described above, where the blanket is formed of a plush material
such as a fleece and has at least one arm aperture. Sleeves are
attached to the blanket as described above, and may be removable.
The pad is formed having a plush surface and an opposing durable
surface. The pad provides a comfortable, cushioned sitting surface
for sitting on a bleacher, for example. The durable surface of the
pad may be rubberized to protect the pad from water and also grip
the ground, bench, or bleacher to prevent the pad from undesired
movement.
[0061] The method continues and the container is unfastened 706 to
form the pad for sitting. In one embodiment, unfastening 706 the
pad includes unzipping the perimeter edges of the pad and folding
open the pad to form the elongated seating surface. The person then
unfolds the blanket and places 708 his or her arms through the
blanket. The person then may fasten 710 the blanket to the pad as
described above with reference to FIG. 3. The method 700 then ends
712.
[0062] FIG. 8 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one
method 800 of forming a pillow. The method 800 starts 802 and a
person unfastens 804 the blanket from the pad. As described above
with reference to FIG. 3, the blanket may be attached to the pad to
ensure that the blanket covers the back of a person. The person
decides whether to form 806 a plush container or a durable
container. A person would select a plush container if the person
wanted to use the device as a pillow, as the plush surface would be
more comfortable against the skin. Alternatively, if the person was
travelling, the person might select to form a container with the
durable surface facing outward to protect the blanket and the plush
surface of the pad.
[0063] If the person decides to form a pillow with a plush surface,
the pad is folded with the plush surface facing outward, thereby
forming 808 a pillow. Alternatively, the person may form 810 a
durable container with the durable surface facing outward. The
person then places 812 the blanket inside the durable container or
the pillow container and the method 800 ends 814.
[0064] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a convertible pillow and container 900. In one
embodiment, the pillow/container 900 converts from a container into
a stadium seat as illustrated. The pillow/container 900 is formed
having a plush surface 902 and a durable surface 904, as described
above. Alternatively, both surfaces may be formed of the same
material. In yet another embodiment, the inner surface 902 and
outer surface 904 may be of different colors, designs, etc. For
example, the inner surface 902 may be formed having the logo of a
first team, while the outer surface 904 displays the logo of a
second team. As such, the same container 900, which is reversible,
may be used for sporting events of two different teams. The
container 900 also includes a support strap 906 so that when a
person sits on the base 908, the back 910 offers back support to
the person.
[0065] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a single person pillow/pad/container 1000. The
depicted view illustrates the pillow/pad/container 1000 from a top
down view. The pillow/pad/container 1000, in one embodiment, has a
fastener on one side only as opposed to the device described above
with a zipper that is around the entire perimeter of the device. As
such, the pillow/pad/container 1000 forms a reversible pouch having
an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface may be
formed of a plush material as described above, while the outer
surface is formed of a durable material, or vice versa.
Alternatively, both surfaces may be formed of the same material.
The pouch 1000 is capable of storing a blanket as described above
with reference to FIG. 1, or alternatively any object that a person
may want to wear to an outdoor spectator event including, but not
limited to, coats, ponchos, jackets, etc.
[0066] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
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